Why Engineering at PLNU?
Called to Innovate
Engineering is for those who want to solve problems, find mathematical solutions, and apply their skills to real-life situations. At PLNU, a degree in engineering focuses on providing you with a foundation in engineering principles to step confidently into a variety of careers that are shaping the modern world.
Serious engineering. Personal scale. Purposeful impact.
Grounded in an ethical and service minded approach to hands-on experiences — including semester-long projects and professional internships — you’ll be prepared to become confident professionals employers are looking for. Our community at PLNU is dedicated to providing a well-rounded college experience, complete with the resources, training and personal support you need to succeed.
ABET Accredited
An ABET-accredited engineering degree means students will experience academic excellence, ethical integration, and collaborative innovation.
At PLNU, you’ll earn an ABET-accredited engineering degree in a collaborative Christian community — learning in a small, relatable classroom environment while earning a widely recognized degree. PLNU faculty are dedicated to supporting students from their first year through graduation and beyond equipped with meaningful connections and personal support.
Pathways to Your Concentration
PLNU's Engineering program offers a variety of concentrations, so discovering your strengths and interests is an important part of discovering your path. At PLNU, you won’t choose one of our three engineering concentrations until your second year, giving you the time and opportunity to establish a foundation, explore the career field and make a confident decision about the pathway that is the best fit for you in your journey.
Three Paths. One Mission.
Engineering, B.S.E Mechanical Engineering Concentration
Grounded in equipping students to improve mechanical systems that shape the modern world, PLNU provides you with skills and knowledge in areas such as materials, dynamics, and energy. This program will prepare you for careers in manufacturing, renewable energy, product development and testing, or graduate study in mechanical engineering and related fields.
View Curriculum DetailsEngineering, B.S.E Electrical Engineering Concentration
PLNU works to develop students with the skills to design, test, and optimize the systems that power modern life. With a foundation in physics, mathematics, computer science, and hands-on engineering, you’ll dive into advanced training in electronics, signals, and robotics for careers in automation, manufacturing, power systems, or graduate study in electrical engineering.
View Curriculum DetailsEngineering, B.S.E Computer Engineering Concentration
Rigorously designed for students who want to master both the theory and practice of building software systems, this program focuses on a strong foundation in computer science while exploring topics ranging from hardware and operating systems to advanced programming and database development. This degree provides the depth and technical preparation needed for software careers or graduate study in computer science.
View Curriculum Details
Ready to begin your engineering journey?
From hands-on learning and research opportunities to confidently stepping into meaningful careers, PLNU Engineering equips you with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to pursue your calling. Request more information to explore how you can take the next step toward your future.
Engineering at PLNU
Life in the Department
The Department of Physics and Engineering makes it a priority for students to experience community through group study sessions, road trips to conferences with classmates, and team activities built around coursework.
Senior Capstone Project
Each engineering student will be given the opportunity to complete a senior capstone project, applying their skills and knowledge to a real-world problem. Click here to explore past student projects within the engineering department.
Student Research
As an engineering student at PLNU, you’ll complete a research project as you work closely alongside an experienced faculty mentor and work toward a scholarly presentation. You’ll have the option to complete the project during the school year or over a summer term.
Holistic Support
There are a variety of resources to ensure student success within and beyond the classroom. Our faculty are dedicated to providing students with whole-person development through individualized academic, personal, and professional guidance. Plus, there are also spiritual mentorship, counseling, and holistic wellness services across the campus.
Student Clubs
Through the online central hub for students, myPLNU provides direct access for students to find community within their program. Engineering students can join groups such as the Engineering Leadership Society or the Faith and Science Club.
About Engineering
Through a collaborative environment, students will develop the technical expertise, personal growth, and lifelong learning skills needed to thrive academically and make a meaningful impact in engineering and beyond.
Professional Mentorship
Mentors who challenge and encourage students play a valuable role in helping them achieve their goals. From crafting a career plan to supporting the job search, PLNU’s community empowers students from their first year and well beyond graduation.
Visit PLNU
Ready to take the next step and see if an engineering program at PLNU is right for you? Schedule a campus tour and gain insight into the specific program of interest, or explore our vibrant community on your own with a virtual tour!
Study Abroad
Learn through hands-on, service-focused experiences by traveling to test engineering projects in the field with real-world clients, including international study abroad programs. In May 2026, a student team traveled to Guatemala to test their senior project with a PLNU mission partner.
Student Profile
Josue Barragan
Graduating in 2023, Josue is a software engineering alumnus and was a first-generation student at PLNU. Discover his story about the four years he spent at PLNU making meaningful connections, exploring computer systems as a calling, and learning engineering in a faith-based community.
Read More
Student Profile
Jacob Le
Graduating in 2026, Jacob spent his academic journey with the mechanical engineering program. Read on to see how Jacob engaged not only with the close-knit engineering community but also with the PLNU community as a whole — helping transform his college experience.
Read More92.9%
Average Placement Rate After 5-Year TUG Program1:13
Faculty to Student Ratio$105k
Average Income 5 Years After Graduation
Beyond Graduation
Internships:
An internship is an essential part of a whole-person education. Gain hands-on experience through a semester-long engineering internship where you’ll apply classroom knowledge to real-world applications. These opportunities often lead to professional relationships and full-time employment after graduation.
Past Internships for Department of Physics and Engineering Students:
- Qualcomm
- SAP Hybris
- General Motors
- NASA's Ames Facility
- Cyth Systems
- Dokken Engineering
- Performance Automation Solutions
- Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
- Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC)
- Northrop Grumman
Careers:
In the small, highly personal engineering program at PLNU, students face the academic rigor to be fully prepared to step into a lifelong career of impactful engineering. The ABET-accredited program not only challenges but supports students every step of the way leading to students to purposefully work in a variety of engineering sectors.
Potential Industry Career Sectors:
- Defense and aerospace
- Biotech and medical devices
- Energy and sustainability
- Robotics and advanced manufacturing
- Software, embedded systems, and computing
- Design, product development, and applied technology
Featured Careers
Computer Hardware Engineers
Computer hardware engineers are equipped to work in research laboratories to design, create, and test computer systems and components. Hardware engineers also update existing computer equipment to ensure it’s compatible with the latest software to improve user experience.
- Median Pay: $155,020/year
- Number of Jobs: 76,800
- Job Outlook (2024–34): +7%
- Employment Change: +5,600 jobs
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers work to find solutions by creating, designing, and testing mechanical or thermal sensors and devices. As one of the broadest engineering fields, mechanical engineers creatively solve problems with analysis and computer-aided tools.
- Median Pay: $102,320/year
- Number of Jobs: 293,100
- Job Outlook (2024–34): +9%
- Employment Change: +26,500 jobs
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Electrical and electronics engineers work to improve systems and equipment with modifications or repair. Often, electrical engineers will design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacturing of new electrical systems or equipment.
- Median Pay: $118,780/year
- Number of Jobs: 287,900
- Job Outlook (2024–34): +7%
- Employment Change: +19,700 jobs
Innovation at Work
Turning Curiosity into Career
Mechanical Engineering vs. Electrical Engineering 
Erika Weisdorfer: Engineering GoodPowered by Possibility
